About this season
A series in which arts presenter Mark Lawson has a 60-minute in-depth conversation with a notable figure.
Episodes (118)
1. Anthony Minghella
Aired 27 December 2003
The director of Cold Mountain, released on Boxing Day, and The English Patient in conversation.
2. Professor Colin Blakemore
Aired 11 March 2004
An interview with Professor Colin Blakemore, who has been at the forefront of UK scientific research for over 30 years.
3. Howard Dean
Aired 26 May 2004
Interviewing the US politician who lost out in the Democratic presidential nomination battle back in February.
4. Peter Singer
Aired 1 June 2004
An interview with the controversial bio-ethicist.
5. Derek Walcott
Aired 28 September 2004
St Lucian poet Walcott discusses his Caribbean childhood and career.
6. John Sulston
Aired 15 November 2004
The Human Genome Project strove to make information about DNA free to everyone. Its head, Sir John Sulston, talks about what makes him tick.
7. Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
Aired 13 December 2004
The charismatic Muslim leader discusses Islam and his concerns about President Bush's "war on terror".
8. David Attenborough
Aired 27 February 2005
The man behind The Blue Planet and much more in conversation.
9. Bill Deedes
Aired 7 March 2005
The inspiration for Evelyn Waugh 's "Boot" in Scoop and the "Bill" of Private Eye's "Dear Bill", Lord Deedes is a national institution. He was Minister for Information under Harold Macmillan , and later editor of The Daily Telegraph. Mark Lawson finds out what makes him tick.
10. Seymour Hersh
Aired 18 March 2005
The investigative reporter in conversation.
11. Madeleine Albright
Aired 12 September 2005
The former US secretary of state speaks frankly about her life and career. Topics covered in BBC4's exclusive interview include her take on the Bush administration and America's place in the world, her affinity with Condoleezza Rice and, bizarrely, Dame Judi Dench.
12. Michael Palin
Aired 19 September 2005
An evening of Michael Palin programmes begins with an interview about his life and work - from his childhood in Sheffield to his globetrotting of today. New.
13. Sir Tim Berners-Lee
Aired 26 September 2005
The inventor of the CHOICE worldwide web discusses how he conceived the device that helped to transform the planet.
14. John Simpson
Aired 8 January 2006
The BBC's world affairs editor tells Lawson about life on both sides of the camera.
15. Robert Winston
Aired 15 January 2006
Winston discusses his work, as a fertility treatment pioneer, and a TV presenter.
16. PD James
Aired 11 March 2006
The detective novelist discusses her need to write, the World Wars, religion, and death.
17. Frederick Forsyth
Aired 3 January 2006
The author discusses his foreign correspondent years, his politics, and the thrillers that made him famous.
18. Griff Rhys Jones
Aired 24 April 2006
The writer, actor and director recalls his time on Not the Nine o'Clock News, and considers how his generation have gone on to dominate the British media.
19. Julian Fellowes
Aired 8 May 2006
The actor, director and Oscar-winning writer of Gosford Park on his career.
20. James Lovelock
Aired 22 May 2006
The environmental thinker issues a stark warning concerning our consumption of fossil fuels and climate change.
21. Bill Oddie
Aired 29 May 2006
The nature-loving broadcaster reflects on his varied career and his mother's absence as a child.
22. Philip Roth
Aired 3 June 2006
In a provocative interview, one of the most powerful voices in modern American fiction discusses his disillusionment with the Bush administration.
23. David Baddiel
Aired 12 July 2006
The star of The Mary Whitehouse Experience, Fantasy Football League and Heresy, and author of Time for Bed discusses his career.
24. Terry Gilliam
Aired 23 July 2006
In conversation with the film-maker and animator.
25. Clive James
Aired 31 July 2006
The multi-talented Aussie in conversation.
26. Engelbert Humperdinck
Aired 19 August 2006
The Leicester love god and crooner is captured in conversation.
27. David Chase
Aired 20 August 2006
The creator of The Sopranos in conversation.
28. Jilly Cooper
Aired 27 September 2006
The author of Polo and other "bonkbusters" in conversation.
29. Jack Dee
Aired 3 October 2006
A lively chat with the sardonic comic kicks off Jack Dee Night.
30. Alexei Sayle
Aired 10 October 2006
An interview with the straight-talking comedian renowned for his Marxist political views.
31. Marguerite Patten
Aired 17 October 2006
The food writer and broadcaster reflects on her 1947 TV series and her OBE for "services to the art of cookery".
32. Ridley Scott
Aired 22 October 2006
The director of Alien, Blade Runner and the Oscar-winning Gladiator discusses his life and career.
33. Claudia Roden
Aired 24 October 2006
The food writer discusses her passion for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours.
34. lain Banks
Aired 14 November 2006
The author discusses his influences and inspirations.
35. Terry Pratchett
Aired 21 November 2006
Interview with the author who has sold over 40 million books worldwide and is best known for the Discworld series.
36. Stephen King
Aired 11 December 2006
Interview with the renowned horror author, known for popular and influential novels such as Carrie and The Shining.
37. Armando Iannucci
Aired 2 January 2007
The interviewer meets writer, performer and producer Armando Iannucci.
38. Ian Rankin
Aired 3 March 2007
Interview with the Scottish novelist and regular Newsnight Review contributor best known for his Inspector John Rebus novels.
39. Nicholas Craig
Aired 1 April 2007
Former Young Ones star Nigel Planer appears in character as classical actor Nicholas Craig. He talks to Mark Lawson about his prolific 35-year career, and how his relationship with his mother heavily influenced his decision to become a performer.
40. The Teletubbies
Aired 26 May 2007
The presenter talks to the creators of the children's programme.
41. Biddy Baxter
Aired 31 May 2007
An interview with the former editor of Blue Peter who designed the show's famous badge and introduced the annual appeals.
42. Stephen Fry
Aired 18 August 2007
The first in an evening of programmes celebrating the 50th birthday of Stephen Fry , including programmes chosen by Fry himself. Here, Stephen discusses his life, career and personal demons.
43. Sanjeev Bhaskar
Aired 20 August 2007
Wide-ranging interview with the comedian, actor and writer.
44. David Renwick
Aired 3 December 2007
The TV writer talks to Mark Lawson about his career.
45. Russell T Davies
Aired 16 January 2008
Interview with the Doctor Who producer.
46. Nicholas Parsons
Aired 27 February 2008
Interview with the actor and former game show host.
47. Rabbi Lionel Blue
Aired 5 March 2008
Featuring an interview with the journalist, broadcaster and Britain's first openly-gay rabbi.
48. Galton and Simpson
Aired 19 March 2008
Interview with the writers who created Steptoe and Son and Hancock's Half Hour.
49. George Cole
Aired 26 March 2008
Interview with the veteran actor, who played Arthur Daley in TV series Minder.
50. Barry Cryer
Aired 2 April 2008
An interview with the comedian who has written for a number of noted performers.
51. Liz Smith
Aired 14 July 2008
An interview with the actress who starred in The Royle Family and The Vicar of Dibley.
52. Jonathan Meades
Aired 21 July 2008
A chat with the British writer known for his work as The Times restaurant critic as well as documentaries on architecture.
53. G.F. Newman
Aired 11 August 2008
The writer who created Judge John Deed and Law and Order discusses his life and career.
54. Melvyn Bragg
Aired 27 September 2008
The broadcaster discusses his life and career.
55. John le Carre
Aired 5 October 2008
Author John le Carre discusses his life and work. Now famous for his espionage thrillers, the writer started as a real-life spy working for MI6.
56. Michael Parkinson
Aired 9 November 2008
The veteran chat-show host becomes an interviewee and talks about his career.
57. Quentin Blake
Aired 16 November 2008
The journalist interviews British cartoonist, illustrator and children's book author Quentin Blake, most famous for his work on Roald Dahl 's stories.
58. Rolf Harris
Aired 23 November 2008
The Australian TV star discusses his success as a junior swimming champion and his work on Animal Hospital.
59. Phil Collins
Aired 4 January 2009
The musician discusses his life and work, including his success with Genesis and as a solo artist. He also talks about his three marriages and tackles the myths that surround him.
60. Maureen Lipman
Aired 11 January 2009
The actress talks about her life and career as one of Britain's best-loved performers and her collaborations with husband Jack Rosenthal. She also discusses her bereavement since his death.
61. Bill Bryson
Aired 25 January 2009
The presenter talks to the American travel writer and humorist about his experiences documenting lives in foreign lands and his love of the British countryside and character
62. Sir Antony Sher
Aired 15 February 2009
Interview with the actor, who has starred in acclaimed TV dramas The History Man and The Jury, and who was one of the first gay celebrities to form a civil partnership.
63. Mike Leigh
Aired 19 April 2009
The British director discusses his life and career, from his first venture into acting with the local Jewish youth group in his home town of Salford, to becoming an acclaimed scriptwriter for stage and screen.
64. Ian Hislop
Aired 9 May 2009
Private Eye editor and Have I Got News for You captain Ian Hislop discusses his role as a satirist, in addition to his private life, including how boarding school became a second home after his father's death, and Christianity's influence on his life.
65. William Boyd
Aired 30 August 2009
The author and screenwriter discusses his life and work, reflecting on how his childhood in West Africa and attendance at a Scottish boarding school has influenced his work.
66. Richard Wilson
Aired 30 September 2009
Journalist Mark Lawson interviews Richard Wilson about his life and work, as the actor reflects on the success and drawbacks of his most popular role as Victor Meldrew in BBC sitcom One Foot in the Grave.
67. Sir Ranulph Fiennes
Aired 14 November 2009
An interview with the British RT CHOICE adventurer who this year added reaching the summit of Everest to a list of achievements that includes first man to walk to both the North and South Poles, crossing Antarctica on foot. and authoring numerous books.
68. Jane Horrocks
Aired 22 November 2009
The actress reflects on her work, explaining how she stays focused while working on stage and revealing how age and gender can hinder a performer's longevity.
69. Imelda Staunton
Aired 29 November 2009
The journalist talks to the Bafta-winning actress about her career in film, theatre and television, which has included roles in Cranford, Entertaining Mr Sloane and Vera Drake.
70. Alan Bennett
Aired 6 December 2009
The Alan Bennett tribute continues as the playwright and author discusses some of his well-known works, including The History Boys, Beyond the Fringe and the Talking Heads series.
71. A.S. Byatt
Aired 13 December 2009
The author and critic, who won the Booker Prize in 1990 for her novel Possession, talks about her career, revealing how she has managed to combine family life with the solitary world of a writer.
72. Brian Cox
Aired 23 February 2010
Brian Cox talks about his passion for portraying complex and difficult characters, his personal psychological battles and the low point in his career when he almost gave up acting.
73. Tracey Emin
Aired 18 March 2010
Mark Lawson talks to the enfant terrible of the British art world, Tracey Emin, famed for her unmade bed and a tent embroidered with the names of everyone she had ever slept with.
74. Timothy Spall
Aired 10 May 2010
Mark Lawson talks to actor Timothy Spall about his life and career. Spall reflects on his working-class roots, on being a 'professional depicter' and his fight with leukaemia.
75. Martin Amis
Aired 23 May 2010
Mark Lawson talks to notorious literary bad boy Martin Amis, who speaks candidly about his relationship with his father Kingsley and the death of his sister Sally.
76. Vanessa Redgrave
Aired 30 May 2010
Mark Lawson talks to Oscar-winning actress Vanessa Redgrave about her life and career. She reflects on her acting family, political activism and the loss of her daughter Natasha.
77. Sir David Frost
Aired 13 June 2010
Renowned broadcaster and satirist David Frost talks about his life and career.
78. Julie Walters
Aired 31 October 2010
Mark Lawson talks to the actress Julie Walters about her life and career, as she explores her working class roots, struggles with self-confidence and finding peace at 60.
79. Alison Steadman
Aired 7 November 2010
Mark Lawson talks to actress Alison Steadman about her life and career, as she explores her gift for mimicry, passion for improvisation and joy of working with great dramatists.
80. Tom Jones
Aired 14 November 2010
Mark Lawson talks to Tom Jones about his life in and out of the limelight. Jones reflects on his upbringing in a coal mining community, early pub tours and international acclaim.
81. Jimmy McGovern
Aired 21 November 2010
Mark Lawson talks to screenwriter Jimmy McGovern about his life and career in television drama, his memories of working-class Liverpool and the impact of Catholicism on his work.
82. Simon Russell Beale
Aired 24 December 2010
Mark Lawson talks to the actor Simon Russell Beale about his life on and off stage. He offers insights into how he approaches his diverse roles and his recent career changes.
83. Gilbert and George
Aired 3 February 2011
Mark Lawson talks to the controversial artists and 'living sculptures' Gilbert and George, who met as students at St Martins School of Art in 1967, about their lives and careers.
84. Sir Anthony Caro
Aired 9 February 2011
Sculptor Sir Anthony Caro reflects on his time as Henry Moore's assistant, his groundbreaking shift from figurative to abstract sculpture and his position on public art.
85. Anne Robinson
Aired 28 February 2011
In a candid interview, Anne Robinson reflects on the journey from finishing school to Fleet Street, alcoholism to America and print journalism to prime-time television.
86. David Mitchell
Aired 22 March 2011
Mark Lawson talks to the comedian David Mitchell about his life and career, from his partnership with Robert Webb to panel show regular and co-host of the series 10 O'Clock Live.
87. Peter Blake
Aired 11 July 2011
Mark Lawson talks to the artist Sir Peter Blake about his life and 60-year career, including how he became an 'accidental artist' and his reputation as the godfather of Pop Art.
88. Diana Rigg
Aired 27 September 2011
Mark Lawson talks to Dame Diana Rigg about her life and 50-year career, exploring her conflicted views on being a sex symbol and the pleasures of professional success in her 70s.
89. Rob Brydon
Aired 4 October 2011
Mark Lawson talks to actor and comedian Rob Brydon about his life and career in entertainment, including writing and performing for radio, film, television, stand-up and theatre.
90. Michael Frayn
Aired 11 October 2011
Mark Lawson talks to Michael Frayn about his life and 50-year career writing novels, plays, philosophy, memoirs, screenplays, translations, farce, tragedy, verse and drama.
91. Alice Cooper
Aired 21 November 2011
Mark Lawson talks to Alice Cooper about his life and 45-year career as a musician and actor, including his memories of his Detroit childhood and the perils of addiction.
92. Frank Skinner
Aired 13 March 2012
Mark Lawson talks to comedian Frank Skinner about a career that has involved stand-up, broadcasting, writing and pop music. Skinner also talks candidly about his personal life.
93. Terry Wogan
Aired 20 March 2012
Mark Lawson talks to legendary broadcaster Terry Wogan about his life and 50-year career, from his early years on Irish radio to his ever-popular Radio 2 show.
94. Graham Norton
Aired 26 March 2012
Mark Lawson talks to celebrity interviewer and chat show host Graham Norton about growing up in Ireland, his sexuality and a near fatal mugging whilst he was at drama school.
95. Noel Gallagher
Aired 30 March 2012
Mark Lawson talks to former Oasis lynchpin Noel Gallagher about his life, career and becoming one of the most successful songwriters of his generation.
96. Mark Gatiss
Aired 3 April 2012
Mark Lawson talks to writer, actor and comedian Mark Gatiss about his life and career, including how his passion for horror and science fiction have influenced his success.
97. Mark Rylance
Aired 15 April 2012
Mark Lawson talks to actor Mark Rylance about his life and career, including his lifelong relationship with Shakespeare and how he prepares for his role in the play Jerusalem.
98. Felicity Kendal
Aired 22 April 2012
Mark Lawson talks to Felicity Kendal about her childhood in India and returning to the UK in the 1960s to become one of the best-loved actors of her generation.
99. Sean Langan
Aired 26 April 2012
Mark Lawson meets the award-winning journalist and filmmaker Sean Langan, whose kidnap by the Taliban in 2008 inspired BBC Four's hostage drama The Kidnap Diaries.
100. Zoe Wanamaker
Aired 29 April 2012
Mark Lawson talks to actress Zoe Wanamaker about her life and career. Wanamaker reveals insecurities about her looks and talents, and how her father Sam was a hard act to follow.
101. Sir Patrick Moore
Aired 13 January 2013
Mark Lawson talks to the astronomer and English eccentric Sir Patrick Moore about his early life, career and the future of space exploration in an interview recorded in 2007.
102. Mark Knopfler
Aired 3 March 2013
Mark Lawson talks to songwriter Mark Knopfler about his early life and influences, the years with Dire Straits and his quiet contempt for modern TV talent shows.
103. Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais
Aired 20 March 2013
Mark Lawson talks to prolific writing duo Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais about their careers, from classic comedy The Likely Lads to recent drama Spies of Warsaw.
104. Miriam Margolyes
Aired 1 April 2013
Mark Lawson talks to character actress and voice artist Miriam Margolyes about her passion for acting, her lively schooldays and her inexorable self-confidence.
105. Michael Ball
Aired 7 April 2013
Mark Lawson talks to musical theatre star and recording artist Michael Ball about his early career, Eurovision and having a foot in both the Sondheim and Lloyd Webber camps.
106. Bob Geldof
Aired 6 October 2013
Sir Bob Geldof talks candidly to Mark Lawson about his career in music with the Boomtown Rats, his activism, his family and his very public personal traumas.
107. Steve Coogan
Aired 12 November 2013
Mark Lawson talks to the writer, comedian, actor and producer Steve Coogan about his life and career, from comic characters Paul Calf and Alan Partridge to straight acting roles.
108. David Bailey
Aired 10 March 2014
Photographer David Bailey, who has captured many of the 20th century's most iconic faces, talks frankly to Mark Lawson about his life, loves and illustrious career.
109. Joanna Trollope
Aired 23 March 2014
As she publishes her eighteenth novel, Joanna Trollope talks to Mark Lawson about creativity, divorce and the inescapable drama of domestic life.
110. Julian Barnes
Aired 30 March 2014
Booker Prize-winning novelist Julian Barnes, whose Levels of Life is a memoir of bereavement following the loss of his wife to cancer, talks about love, death, memory and grief.
111. Jo Brand
Aired 20 July 2014
Mark Lawson talks to comedian, writer and actress Jo Brand about the 1980s alternative comedy scene, her approach to hecklers and taboos, and her experiences as a TV personality.
112. Michael Morpurgo
Aired 16 November 2014
Michael Morpurgo reflects on the success of his novel War Horse and the theme of war in his books, and discusses his relationship with his father and friendship with Ted Hughes.
113. Frances de la Tour
Aired 7 January 2015
Mark Lawson talks to Tony and triple Olivier award-winning actress Frances de la Tour about her life and career, from Miss Jones in Rising Damp to Madame Maxime in Harry Potter.
114. Celia Imrie
Aired 8 February 2015
From Calendar Girls to Cranford, Celia Imrie has been a familiar face on both TV and film for more than four decades. The actress talks to Mark Lawson about her life and career.
115. Kazuo Ishiguro
Aired 22 February 2015
Mark Lawson talks to the Booker Prize-winning writer Kazuo Ishiguro about his life and career.
116. Alexander McCall Smith
Aired 1 March 2015
Mark Lawson talks to author Alexander McCall Smith, whose No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series of books, set in Botswana, have sold in their millions around the world.
117. Jonathan Pryce
Aired 24 March 2015
From playing princes to professors and cardinals to comedians, Jonathan Pryce is one of Britain's most versatile actors. He talks to Mark Lawson about his life and career.
118. David Hare
Aired 15 November 2015
Writer and director Sir David Hare talks frankly to Mark Lawson following the publication of his much-anticipated memoir The Blue Touch Paper.